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Sandy Beach
near
Wantabadgery NSW
held on the
weekend from Saturday 13th to Sunday 14th December 2008
introduction
This was my first foray into hosting a
CamperTrailers Group meeting. I would like acknowledge the
assistance given me by Rob and Carol who provided advice about how
easy it is to host these meetings and to Alf Atkin who organised a
meeting last year at this site, for his valuable input into the
location and environment. Additionally, Alf’s previous research and
description and report greatly simplified the process of getting the
meeting information onto the web page.
I would like to also
acknowledge all the participants who made it to the meeting as it
would not have happened at all without them. I accept that a camp at
this time of the year can have all sorts of implications (both work
and personal related issues) that prevented some of the original
registrants from making it to the meeting and I do regret the fact
that I didn’t get to meet you all. Perhaps this will be remedied at
future get togethers.
thursday 11th
I decided to travel on the Thursday and get
there first to inspect the camping areas and decide the best
location. After a fine drive from Melbourne, I arrived at around
1600hrs taking a left turn off the Hume Hwy onto the Sturt Hwy and
then heading northward by turning right onto the Mundarlo Road and
then on the Main South Road. There is a section of dirt road here
and a couple of hills but nothing to worry the Suby and trailer.
There is a turn off to cross the Murrumbidgee River to the north
side about two kilometres before Mundarlo (according to Google Maps,
but it is not clear if the location shown for Mundarlo is
accurate!). At the T-intersection turn left and at about 8
kilometres is a left turn onto the Sandy Beach entrance road.
There are two levels for
this camping area. The lower flood plain area is smaller, doesn’t
seem to have much level area, and has not been so well maintained. I
don’t recall that there were any facilities, and the best of this
sites already had occupants in residence (more on this later) who
had been there for a couple of weeks. After introducing myself and
explaining the purpose of the visit, I set about investigating a
suitable spot to set up the trailer. The upper and larger of the
flood plain area was by far the best maintained with two toilet
facilities and several picnic shelters and fireplaces. There were
also a few watering points where water, supplied from a header tank,
could be collected for cooking and washing. More were in the process
of being installed. There was provision for some camping directly
overlooking the river and I chose a suitable level area with water
views!
Having set up camp I relaxed
and was able to appreciate the surroundings, especially the massive
great Red River gums. Some of these must have been nigh on a 1000
years old – magnificent. Then there were the cocky's. At dusk, and
as I subsequently found out, at dawn their raucous screeching was
something that I hadn’t heard for a long time. Mind you, as I
explained to the campers later, it was very much a more preferable
background to the roar of traffic on the nearby freeway at home. I’m
sure that I will be able to live with it for the next few days.
So far this looked like
being one of the more enjoyable camps, but wait... After settling-in
and having an evening meal there were changes afoot. A rather strong
wind started up, not unpleasant at first given that it was still
quite warm, but slowly gaining intensity. So much so that it became
strong enough to disturb sleep that night. Was this a portent of
things to come? Couldn’t be, I thought, so dismissed the idea of bad
weather out here at this time of year, yet I seem to recall that
just before leaving Melbourne I checked that long range forecast,
and now I remembered that there had been some changes in the
predictions, but it was supposed to be for Saturday and Sunday. Oh
well we, as stoic camping enthusiasts will just take it as it
comes…won’t we?
friday
12th
With last night’s wind came
the rain. It started early in the morning and by around 1000hrs, it
looked as if it had settled into a steady drizzle for the rest of
the day. So much for weather predictions! I guess the old farmers
method of holding one end of a piece of rope is most reliable: when
it gets wet, it’s must be raining; and when it swings around it must
be windy!
Around 1200hrs Alf, Vikki
and their friends Neil and Marylin arrived having driven through
rain from Yass. Fortunately around this time the rain cleared a
little, allowing them to set up camp in relatively dry conditions. I
must admit to being somewhat amused at the site of Alf’s tiny (maybe
“teensie weeny”) Camplet against the comparative ginormous Jayco.
Even more interesting was when these couples conjoined their camps
into a single covered area using an array of tarps. And just as well
it would seem for later in the day and in later days it became the
most protected area under which some of our happy hours would be
spent.
Ken and Marie made their
arrival during the afternoon and set up their traytop next door to
me overlooking the river. Allan and Mary Anne also arrived in rain
during the late afternoon and set up their traytop wondering what
they might have been in for weather-wise. And right away there was
comment about Allan’s famous Akubra. As can be seen in to photos, it
looked as if it had been to the Andes and back, or had been used to
sled down Kosciusko (in the summer!). He seemed determined to get
the most from it, even if it was only the brim remaining! Cheers,
Allan
Well, the break in the
weather didn’t last and Phil and Sandra arrived in their Light
Weight Camper as rain started to bucket down quite heavily around
1500hrs. They brought with them some promising news of finer weather
and a prediction of 34°C for tomorrow. Sounded good at the time, but
we’ll just have to wait and see (I’ll have my piece of rope
forecaster ready just in case!). After the welcome to the camp they
drove around looking for suitable camping spot, and drove around,
and drove around and…well, we started to wonder what was going on
for a while. Finally, they settled on a spot on the northern side of
the camping area., and eventually all was revealed. Evidently their
camper is most susceptible to not being level and also needed to be
on slightly elevated ground. The reason, it seems, was that they
were using the vehicles battery to run things so needed a place
where it would be possible to push start the vehicle if necessary.
Sorry Phil, you did have us kinda puzzled for a bit!
Last arrival for the day was
my colleague Brendan with his Jeep and swag. He also came equipped
to catch THE big Murray cod. Well, at least he thought that that was
what was going to happen. Hah…no chance. After all Alf had been
trying to get a fish since his arrival and not a nibble. Still it
didn’t faze Brendan. He tried and he tried and he tried, lost I
forget how many lures and the best that he could do was land…wait
for it…a piddling little carp. Guess them’s the breaks, huh?
The evening brought back
more rain and happy hour was arranged under tarps courtesy of Alf
and Neil’s pre-arranged shelter. They obviously knew something the
rest of us didn’t - thanks guys; you sort of saved the day. But
there was to be no campfire this evening so most of us retired
early.
saturday
13th
After a rousing awakening
from what must have been at least a million cockatoos, the day
started off quite sunny. But it wasn’t to last long when clouds
started to roll in from the northwest – a reversal of yesterday’s
direction – but it did stay dry until late in the afternoon.
Terry and Brenda arrived in
their Cub Supamatic around midday and set up camp next to Alf’s and
Neil’s camp. A little later Marty and Susan arrived in their
relatively new Complete Campsite.
This was to be the complete
compliment and fortunately the weather had improved during this
setting up phase. It also remained dry enough to consider gathering
some firewood for a campfire this evening. Sensibly, the fireplace
closest to our refuge (I mean Alf’s and companions combined awnings)
was chosen for the first campfire.
While the weather remained
somewhat to our advantage we proceeded with a show and tell from
around 1500hrs, but we did caught out towards the end with some
squally showers. It was interesting, as always, to get some insights
into the various rigs and how it suited each of the owners. Both
Allan – Mary Anne and Ken – Marie were keen to show off the finer
points of their tray-tops, both Alf –Vikki and Phil – Sandra were
laying claim to the title of owning a Tardis (for those who don’t
follow Dr Who it looks the size of a phone-box from the outside, but
when entered, well…). And both the Camplet and the Light Weight
Camper do have a surprising amount of internal space when fully
expanded. I was interested in comparing some of the features of my
Cub Supamatic with Terry and Brenda’s newer version. Marty and
Brenda's Complete Camper is perhaps one of the largest camper
trailers I have ever seen for its style. When the annexe(s) are
added there is a huge amount of living space and it also had rear
access, I think, for the addition of en-suites or additional rooms.
(Marty, correct me if I’ve not got this wrong!)
About now was time to get on
with happy hour and all retired to the shelter of Alf’s ‘marquee’ if
I can call it that. Of course, without mentioning anyone in
particular, for some happy hour seemed often to have started much
earlier! A few stalwarts (including he of the now well known ‘hat’)
decided to brave the out-of-doors, at least for the time being.
Lighter showers became a bit more frequent, but enough dry wood was
about so the fire was lit and once it was going, it did kind of
compensate for the inclemency of the weather.
After the evening meal, we
again gathered around the fire, ducking under cover when the
occasional squall came through. People had been asked to front-up
with the handiest gadgets that they could think of, and now was the
time came to the party for a prize for the handiest, most unusual or
innovative piece of gimmickry. A few people (some late-comers)
hadn’t been properly apprised of this event and a few were taken a
little by surprise that this was a somewhat common sort of fun and
games event at Victorian camps. Still, surprisingly, there were some
interesting things brought forth.
For example:
• Phil produced an interesting looking tent-peg puller,
• Allan tied himself in knots demonstrating the various applications
for his fold-up portable toilet seat,
• Marty and Susan came along with a rather novel looking wine-bottle
and wine glass holder that can be stuck in the ground anywhere. And
at one point illustrated how easily it can be tripped over (sorry
Marty),
• Alf seemed quite rapped with his small but useful wind-up torch –
should be one in every glove box or tool box,
• Terry and Brenda were keen to wax lyrical about the shelf
attachment to the side of their camper trailer, but while extremely
useful (I wouldn’t mind one myself), I wasn’t sure if, as a sort of
built-in, it would qualify as a gadget. We’ll let the judges, or
rather judge decide, and
• Finally, the judge, Brendan, (with a little guidance from your’s
truly) decided to award the prize of a digital tyre pressure gauge)
to Neil who brought forth with great aplomb his pride and joy – a
small electrical gadget. Hard to describe really. It was a sort of
battery unit that would do all sorts of things and had plugs and
sockets and…well, whatever. Claimed it would do nearly everything
except make a good brew of coffee!
And on that note,
congratulations Neil and all those who made a presentation. Now
let’s get on with the real business of the evening
sunday
14th
At last, on the last official day of
the meeting, there was the promise of some fine weather. Started off
windy but fine and cloudy. Later in the morning the skies cleared to
‘Kodachrome’ clouds and remained quite sunny for the rest of the
day. Alf, Neil and partners started packing early, as they needed to
get back to Yass by around lunchtime – a trip of about one to one
and a half hours. They left at 1000hrs. There was still some
disbelief, by those who hadn’t seen Alf arrive, at how such a roomy
camper could pack into something akin to a large wheelbarrow.
Allan and Mary Anne also got
on the road late morning heading to visit folks in Young, I think,
while Marty and Susan headed off about the middle of the afternoon
after a few quick hints on backing the trailer. Marty, you see, had
explained that his first attempt at home when he first got the
camper he managed to back it into the driveway no problems
(beginners luck, I expect). After that he had had no end of trouble.
So he was up for a few hints while at the campsite. (Well Marty, if
you’re reading this, I hope that we were able to help and that you
are now getting the hang of things - good luck anyway).
Phil, Ken and myself were in
no great hurry to leave, while Terry and Brenda were staying ‘til
Monday. Phil had mentioned that there was a winery on the road into
Wagga – in fact the Wagga Wagga Winery and wondered if anyone was
interested in taking a look. So with no urgency for other priorities
Terry, Brenda, Phil, Susan and myself ventured into the winery to
sample and some their wares. There were a variety of varieties – if
get my meaning, and for me some quite unusual tasting wines. But I
am pretty much a Shiraz person and bought a bottle of their finest.
The others bought selections from the other available choices. It
was an interesting place that included a restaurant and the place
was decked out with a fine collection historical memorabilia. Some
of the artefacts brought back many memories: old wall mounted
telephones. Arnotts biscuit tins, Coolgardie safes etc etc. Just
fascinating.
Happy hour was a little less
populous today, but having noted that some rapport had been
generated between some of the campers and our residents Ray and Bev,
I once again made an invitation for them to join us at my annexe for
a happy hour. As it turned out, I think this was one that was the
most enjoyable. There was a great amount of story telling and
everyone (including Ray, who hails from Townsville and wondered if
the weather was ever going to warm up enough to restore his
circulation). Ray, I know you won’t see this but cheers to some of
stories you gave us. It kind of merged into mealtime and then into a
sort of campfire around my little fold-up BBQ and campfire. It was,
in fact, the finest of the day’s endings of the get together.
monday
15th
This was to be the first and only fine and
completely sunny day of the camp – not a cloud in the sky. In a way
I was glad that I had chosen to stay another couple days and just
enjoy the fine weather and the serenity.
Terry and Brenda and Phil
and Susan both left around the same time just before lunch-time.
Terry and Brenda, who came prepared for some kayaking and had dipped
the oars a couple of times during the camp, decided to have one last
paddle before leaving the mighty “Bidgee” behind. Ken and Marie
weren’t in any great hurry to leave as they were only heading to
Wagga to catch up with Marie’s dad, before heading to Melbourne
later. They casually packed up the traytop rig and by mid-afternoon
were ready to say their parting “goodbyes”.
So that just left me. And I
have to say that it was just nice to relax, wander around and
reflect on the past days events, the people and all their interests
and personalities. One thing that I think I’ve learned from any of
the CT meetings, and consolidated much by this one, is that you can
meet people that you might never have had an opportunity to meet but
through this common interest, and get to know them and meet them
again always as friends. It’s a kind of comforting thought. I packed
next morning and left to head north for Christmas with family.
Finally to everyone who
attended the camp, I wish you all well for the coming year. Thank
you all for your lively chats and good humour. I would take great
pleasure in any opportunity to catch up again somewhere out there on
the wallaby.
highlights
• Great company & fine Happy Hours.
• The famous ‘Hat’.
• Phil having trouble settling on a campsite.
• Alf, Neil and company for provided a timely shelter from the
elements.
• Marty and his efforts to master backing a trailer.
• Just being there.
participants
Marty & Susan Alsford – Complete Campsite
Alf & Vikki Atkins – Camplet
Neil & Marylin Brown – Jayco
Ken & Marie Root - Utility Campers C190 slide-on
Phil & Sandra Reid – Light Weight Camper '98 Model
Terry & Brenda Coleman – Cub Supamatic
Allan & Mary Anne - Wombat Slide-on Camper
And yours truly: Dave Bulman – Cub Supamatic LX
with guest Brendan Bartlett
Dave Bulman
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